Keir Starmer suffered a setback as a left-leaning candidate, Andrea Egan, clinched victory to become the new Unison General Secretary with a significant majority. Egan’s win marked the end of Christina McAnea’s leadership, who had been a staunch supporter of Starmer and had maintained a close relationship between the union and the Labour Party.
The outcome of the election presents a challenge for Labour, as Egan, previously expelled from the party, campaigned on a platform to reassess Unison’s ties with Labour. This shift in leadership could potentially impact the dynamics within Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee.
Unison, the largest trade union in the UK with approximately 1.3 million members primarily from the NHS, care, and public sector, holds significant influence within the Labour Party and is among its primary financial contributors.
Egan’s campaign emphasized the need for a thorough review of the union’s affiliation with Labour to ensure alignment with democratically agreed-upon policies and maximize the union’s impact. The election result signifies a shift towards greater member empowerment and a commitment to championing workers’ rights and interests.
In her statement, Egan, a social worker from Bolton, highlighted the challenges faced by public sector workers and pledged to advocate for their rights and fair treatment. She also disclosed her intention to forgo the General Secretary’s salary and accept a social worker’s wage. Egan’s past affiliations and support for progressive political movements, including Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party, have shaped her approach to union leadership.
Starmer extended his congratulations to Egan on her new role and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with her. He also commended McAnea for her contributions to the Labour and trade union movement, particularly in advancing employment rights and fair pay agreements for social care workers.
Hollie Ridley, General Secretary of the Labour Party, acknowledged McAnea’s achievements and dedication to workers’ rights, highlighting her instrumental role in driving legislative changes. Ridley also welcomed Egan’s election and expressed enthusiasm for future cooperation to continue delivering on Labour’s commitments to social and economic progress.